Various definitions of the concept of quality have been put forward.
One generic definition (Pass, 2006b) is as follows:
The overall characteristics of a product or service that fulfill the requirements of customers in terms of quality.
This definition aligns with the viewpoint of Joseph Juran, who, in the 1950s, defined quality as ‘fitness for use’ (as quoted in ASQ, 2019).
This definition is largely consistent with the definition of quality provided by APM (2019, p. 214):
The suitability for the intended purpose and the degree to which the output of a process or the process itself conforms to the requirements.
Now take a moment to consider the following statements about quality. Which ones do you agree with?
- Quality should prioritize the customer’s needs.
- Quality is an internal focus.
- Quality should be considered from the project’s inception.
- The execution phase of a project is crucial for achieving quality goals.
- Quality issues should be openly discussed to identify corrective actions.
- Quality problems should be concealed from customers and possibly managers.
- Individuals are enthusiastic about producing high-quality outcomes.
- Team members do not produce quality outputs without close supervision.
Share your thoughts on these statements in the discussion section below.
As a Project Manager, I will say that priortizing customers needs, quality should be discussed from inception and quality issues should be discussed openly to find corrective actions.
In my opinion, I agree with the following points;
1. Quality should prioritize the customer’s needs.
2. Quality is an internal focus.
3. Quality should be considered from the project’s inception.
4. The execution phase of a project is crucial for achieving quality goals.
5. Quality issues should be openly discussed to identify corrective actions.
6. Team members do not produce quality outputs without close supervision.
As a project manager prioritizing quality into the scope of the project would be one of my major focus, because a quality job speaks for itself and would definitely attract more jobs for my organisation.
Quality should be focused on customers needs because a customer is the one who defines what are the bests fits his/her desires to meet his/her appreciations. However, there is a certain standard to be meet but that does not outstands customer needs.
Sulaimon Anas Omotayo
Cohort 13 Team 10
I agree with every statement on Quality as listed in the module from quality being considered from the beginning of the project down to the focusing on the needs of the customer
Yes, I agree with thr point that Quality should priotise customer’s need. Quality is defined as the fitness for purpose. There’s a reason a project is being embarked on in the first place. Meeting the required needs of the customer is one of the objectives, so if project is not desined to meet such purpose then the customer’s would be making complaints which is a bad image for an organisation at the long run. Also, Quality should be more externally focused as the customer’s are major reason why Quality project has to be delivered. It has be done to serve customer’s purpose. Before the embarking of a project, the right needs of the customer’s has to be known, whatever that would satisfy their needs has to be done so it has to be known earlier on and decided before the project has to take place. Lastly, team members has to be monitored, there’s something called motivation if the team members are not motivated well and supervised well, human are meant to be lazy some time. But with right, supervision evaluation of the output would be done and will be measured with the set standard right from the start to know if the quality of output has been met or not. Doing this will help rather than not supervised them and allow them make substandard output for the customer’s. So, Quality is very important in satisfying customer’s need, all things has to be done to ensure Quality output is being given so as to meet the the objectives of such project and also customer’s needs.
Quality is a critical part of every project but it is often overlooked. The outcome of the project is hinged on Quality. Hence I agree with the statement that says Quality should be considered from the beginning of the project. There has to first be a Quality Plan to determine what the outcome should be, then Quality Assurance also Quality Targets need to be set to serve as a guide for the team and finally Quality Control to ensure that the project is being executed within the stipulated standard.
The success of the project would be a reflection of the standard to which it was executed based on the clients’ satisfaction level.
I agree with the following statements about quality because they reflect the importance of customer satisfaction, proactive quality management, and transparency in addressing quality concerns throughout the project lifecycle:
Quality should be focused on the customer’s needs: Customer satisfaction is paramount in any project or product development. Quality should be defined by how well the product or service meets the customer’s expectations and needs. By focusing on the customer, organizations can ensure that their efforts are aligned with delivering value.
Quality should be considered from the beginning of the project: Quality management should start at the project’s inception to ensure that quality requirements are understood, planned for, and integrated into all aspects of the project. This proactive approach helps prevent quality issues from arising later in the project lifecycle.
The execution phase of a project is the most critical to achieve quality targets: While quality should be considered throughout the project lifecycle, the execution phase is particularly critical. This is when the project is implemented, and any deviations from the quality plan can have significant impacts on the final deliverables. Close monitoring and control during this phase are essential to achieving quality targets.
Quality issues should be discussed openly to find corrective actions: Open communication about quality issues is essential for identifying root causes and implementing corrective actions. Transparency fosters a culture of continuous improvement and helps prevent similar issues from occurring in future projects.
I will be Discussing that Quality should be considered from the beginning of the project.
Earlier in our course of studies, we talked about core value of an organisation, I believe this should be a core values of every project manager or company. It set a tone for how the project will go, letting the team members knows that you will not compromise on quality is very good, so every one will understand and work with that. Delivering good quality project will make the customers happy and in turn also gives you confidence that your work will stand the test of time.
Akinmoye Segun Wilson,..Cohort 13, Team 2.
Quality should be considered from the start of the project.
Quality should be based on the customers needs.
Opinions should be gathered from customers to get positive results on how to get a quality project done.
I think the purpose of building a team for a project is for quality which should also be the main goal of the team members. I strongly agreed that: Quality should prioritize the customer’s needs.
Quality is an internal focus.
Quality should be considered from the project’s inception.
The execution phase of a project is crucial for achieving quality goals.
Quality issues should be openly discussed to identify corrective actions.